Guest Post: A Joyful Warrior by April Whitt
Earlier this year, TMP Books put out a call for submissions for two anthologies, requesting stories from cancer warriors/survivors, and from cancer caregivers. We received several submissions, but not enough to fill either book, so for now, the books are postponed.
When I notified the writers who had submitted, one of them suggested running the stories on my blog, and I loved the idea. My goal was to share people’s stories, to give encouragement and hope to other cancer warriors and caregivers, so why wait? I’m sharing the stories each Tuesday, in the order they were submitted.
Today, I welcome author April Whitt sharing her story as a cancer warrior.
As I begin a new season in my life, I look back over the past few years and my struggle with cancer. I consider that even though cancer has consumed much of my time, energy and thought life, it is NOT the sum of who I am. It is not even the whole of my struggle, it has even become part of my joy.
My journey began back in January of 2020 (during the Covid outbreak) with a diagnosis of colon cancer. My journey continues today, with setbacks as well as victories, but I am still here!
Initially, I had surgery and chemotherapy. I was probably in shock at the time and hardly believed what was happening. In some sense, the time passed by in a blur, but as I finished the chemotherapy, I thought I was cancer free. However, two years later (in 2022) the cancer returned. This time, it was not in an organ (Thank the Lord!) but near my colon, below my liver. The doctors wanted to do more chemotherapy and surgery, but I felt even more frightened of those treatments than I had before. If it didn’t cure me the first time—why would it now? I didn’t relish the harsh treatments and the sickness it would bring.
My husband and I had always been interested in alternative health, so we wondered if we should seek some holistic care. We found an alternative care doctor about 50 miles from us. As we considered the alternative treatment, we went back to my former doctors and oncologists for consultation. We hoped they would still play a role in my treatment (depending on what we decided.)
But my traditional doctors were not in favor of alternative treatment. One of the doctors said it just wouldn’t work. He said that to my husband, not to me. I felt like an object, rather than the patient, as I sat on the examining table. He told my husband that he was wasting his money. But my regular oncologist spoke directly to me. She looked at me sternly and said, “Do you want some pain medication? You’re going to need pain medication!” We walked away feeling kind of alone, but we weren’t.
Turns out the trips to the alternative clinic were positive and healing. And now, nearly two years later, I’m still here and doing all right. It’s hard to find answers to the “what ifs” because maybe I’d have come through the other treatments just as well. Maybe traditional treatment would have helped me. But I must say, I didn’t miss the surgery or sitting in that chemo chair.
Many of the alternative treatments I received included: mistletoe, IPT treatments (low dose chemotherapy), SOT, hypobaric chamber, high dose vitamin C, and other treatments as well as vitamins, supplements, and dietary changes. I can’t report that I am healed, but I have been able to regain some strength and vitality and hope to live out more of my “hoped for” lifespan.
None of us wants to die young, but getting old can be depressing as well. We all hate to admit being vain, but who wants to lose our looks and strength? We just have to do the best we can and take time to find beauty in things and people differently. Fortunately, as we look, there is much beauty to be found.
I’m 67 years old, and feel that I’m in a new season. Not only is Spring blooming around me, but I’m also learning a new kind of acceptance and resilience in navigating life. Part of this new season in my life is that my husband and I once again have an empty nest. Our extended family (who lived with us for almost 5 years due to financial problems) has now moved out of state. The grandkids are finishing up their school year at their new school. A new season for them, and for me as well.
Going through cancer with a houseful of energetic youngsters was tough, but the sudden change of their absence was also hard for me. I’m still adjusting, decompressing, trusting the Lord for His purpose in all of it. Perhaps it was foolish of me to invest so much in the first place. Because when you put your heart into something, it can be taken away.
But now, I have more time to rest. Time to reflect and heal and time to pray and write and create. I also have space in my life that my heavenly Father might wish to fill if I allow Him to.
As I pick up the pieces of what is left behind, I say, “What do I do now God?”
I’m reminded of something a pastor said in his personal testimony. “When I was flat on my back and wondering where to go from there, I asked God, “What do I do now?” As he humorously tells it, he thinks his question translated into “Here am I God, send me!”
I laughed when I heard him tell the story, but I wondered … will it translate that way for me as well?
With trepidation, not knowing if I really mean it or not, at my not-so-young age, and still burdened with cancer, I invite Him to “send me” if He wants to. My human nature could still be a problem, but He’s brought me through so much already, and if He still has something, in particular, He wants to keep me around for, then okay, I guess I’m “in.”
I feel as if I am handing over my life like a bunch of wild flowers. Some of the flowers have lost their petals, and the stems are smashed and broken. But in that bouquet there is still color and shape, fragrance and beauty and life! I hand it over with gratefulness, as I move forward with joy into this new season!
About the Author:
April M. Whitt is a Christian Blogger and children’s book author and illustrator. She has six published books (two picture books and four chapter books) and the most recent title Island of the Dogs is projected to be the first of a three part series.
April is a retired school teacher who worked for many years with students who have special needs. She is a five-year cancer survivor and continues to battle health issues while avoiding negative thinking. She is currently enjoying life with her husband in their empty nest, visiting their grandchildren, and continuing to survive cancer. With hope and faith, she is looking forward to what God is going to do next!
Read More:
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Questions I’ve Had Since My Cancer Diagnosis
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